Compensation Strategy

Lyndhurst, N.J. – November 02, 2026 -- Only about 16% of 38 higher education institutions surveyed by Marts&Lundy offer incentive compensation to advancement staff, while more than 40% of those without a program are considering one, according to a new benchmarking study from the fundraising consultancy.

The report, Incentive Compensation in Higher Education Advancement, revisits research the firm first published in 2016. It covers program eligibility, structure, performance measures and perceived outcomes. Marts&Lundy conducted the research through an online questionnaire in summer 2026, covering public and private institutions with and without programs.

Bornheim – September 16, 2026 -- Germany's statutory pension contribution rate stands at 18.6% of gross salary, with policymakers discussing further increases in coming years that could leave employees with less net income despite unchanged gross pay. Germany's Council of Economic Experts (Sachverständigenrat) has separately warned of rising total social security contributions, compounding financial pressure on both workers and employers.

Consultant Reiner Huthmacher, founder of the Fachkräftemagnet brand and Huthmacher Consulting GmbH, argues that blanket salary increases are not the most economically viable response for mid-sized companies (KMU) facing this squeeze.